The Waves used a 24-3 run over a nine minute span that bridged the first and second halves to break open a close game. Over that span, UCSB went from a four-point deficit at 22-18, to a 25-point deficit at 46-21.

Trailing 48-23 with 14:27 to go in the game, the Gauchos went on a 13-0 run to cut the gap to 12, 48-36. After another 4-0 Pepperdine surge, the Gauchos went to work again, posting an 11-1 run to narrow the lead to 53-47. UCSB narrowed the lead to five points three times in the final three minutes, but could get no closer.

Senior guard Chrismen Oliver, who came off the bench for the first time this season, led Santa Barbara's comeback with 14 points and two steals in 25 minutes. Junior guard Josh Davis had ten points, and Alex Harris, Cameron Goettsche and Casey Cook each had eight points. Goettsche, playing in only his second game since returning from a groin injury, had a season-high eight rebounds.

Pepperdine outrebounded the Gauchos 37-32, and the Waves were particularly effective on the offensive glass with 13 rebounds. UCSB also had 17 turnovers.

The loss at Pepperdine completed Santa Barbara's four-game road trip to open the 2004-05 season. The Gauchos, now 1-3, will play their first home game on Saturday afternoon when they host San Diego State at 3:00 p.m.